Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen’s is a 1997 American documentary film directed by
Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. The film offers a poignant and intimate farewell
to Chasen’s, a legendary Los Angeles restaurant that served as a glamorous gathering place for Hollywood stars,
politicians, and industry power players for nearly six decades.
Introduction
For almost 59 years, Chasen’s was more than just a restaurant—it was an institution. Famous for its chili, prime ribs,
and old Hollywood atmosphere, it attracted celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor,
Jack Benny, and Ronald Reagan. The restaurant symbolized the golden era of Hollywood dining,
where deals were made over cocktails and friendships were cemented over lavish dinners. When Chasen’s announced it would
close in 1995, it marked the end of a cultural chapter.
Synopsis
The documentary follows the restaurant’s final days, combining behind-the-scenes footage, candid interviews, and archival
clips. Longtime employees—many of whom had spent decades working there—share their heartfelt memories, from waiting on
A-list stars to witnessing historic moments in Hollywood history. Patrons reflect on the restaurant’s significance,
not just as a dining spot, but as a hub of glamour, networking, and tradition.
Berman and Pulcini’s direction captures the bittersweet mood: the clinking of glasses, final orders of famous dishes,
and emotional goodbyes between staff and loyal guests. It’s a love letter to a bygone era, preserving the essence of
Chasen’s before its doors shut forever.
Cast & Crew
- Directors: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
- Producer: Ted Haimes
- Music: Evan Lurie
- Featured Appearances: Chasen’s staff, longtime patrons, and various Hollywood celebrities
Themes
The film touches on themes of nostalgia, loss, and the inevitability of change.
It portrays Chasen’s not only as a business but as a living piece of Hollywood’s history. The closing of the restaurant
becomes a metaphor for the fading glamour of old Hollywood in the face of modern trends and cultural shifts.
Reception
Critics praised Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen’s for its warmth, charm, and emotional storytelling.
The documentary resonated with audiences who had fond memories of the restaurant, as well as those fascinated by
Hollywood’s past. Its authenticity and emotional depth made it a notable entry in the genre of cultural documentaries.
Legacy
Although Chasen’s is gone, the documentary ensures its memory endures. For lovers of Hollywood history, fine dining
culture, and stories of change, the film remains a treasured time capsule. The spirit of Chasen’s lives on through
archival footage, celebrity anecdotes, and the loyalty of those who once walked through its doors.
